Review: Blackburn Bikepacking Frame Bag

Love this content? Help support the channel! : bit.ly/2rOITHv In this video I review the Blackburn Outpost Framebag for bikepacking! It can be used as both as a half / full framebag, offers organization and comes in at a nice price point. However, not everything is all puppies and rainbows.
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[@herethere2518]

I've been using the large version of this bag for about a year now without issue on a larger frame bike (I have a 35" inseam). I keep a 3L hydration bladder, multitool, patch kit, compact pump, spare tube, etc. in it and almost always keep it unexpanded, allowing me to expand if I need to stuff extra stuff (gloves, rain gear, balaclava). I removed all of the included straps and replaced them with a single length of paracord containing reflective scotchlite, making for a more permanent mount and also providing a healthy length of paracord should it be necessary in an emergency (handy stuff). The chain-style attaching loops accommodate this mount method very well. Elastic side pockets are great for energy bars etc., as well as for stuffing the wrappers in afterward. I also find the slim left pocket handy for a variety of things (phone, handkerchief, first aid, zip ties). The reflective Blackburn logos peeled off fairly early on (with help from me), but I prefer to remove any and all logos from my bike/gear anyway; I hate being a rolling advertisement. Waterproofing isn't a concern for me in light of what I use it for (I always use dry bags or ziplocks if necessary for sensitive items), nor is access to water bottle mounts since I don't use them (though they could probably still be used for mounting lock/pump/etc). Have never had rubbing against my legs and has always been a stable unit even on rough terrain. No longer have to wear a backpack for the essentials. Very happy overall.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

It's a great bag for the price!

[@smailsteve]

I’d love to see a photo of your paracord setup and threading strategy as a replacement for the loops. Great idea.

[@joseville]

Great info! Which water bladder do you use? I think I'll also get the full frame bag.

[@maxwellmusick]

Dang. Replaced the straps. I still wanna take the thing off to clean my bike. I put 3m paint protection tape where the straps mount... I do wish the front and back strap were a simpler tension clip vs the Clamp down.

[@maxwellmusick]

@@joseville hydrapak seeker 3l

[@toddsymborski9698]

I use all the Blackburn Outpost bags, cages and totally love them for what I need them for, mostly just two and three day outings. I just got into bikepacking this year and didn't spend a ton of money.

[@MThomasHoff]

What size was this--S,M or L. Wish you would’ve shown how much stuff you could pack into it. Thanks

[@NigelSequeira]

I picked up one of these this last April in New Zealand on a 2 week super lightweight bike tour. I realized I had vastly underplanned and picked one up for about $50(amazing deal!). I love the quality, it feels so sturdy and strong. You also forgot to mention the velcro organizing system thing on the inside! Great review though!

[@havefunandbikestuffOver40]

I use this frame bag in black. went well with my 3 liter geigerrig compression water bladder for using the water tube opening. also in the zipper part of the bottom bag, it was long enough to carry 3 extra spokes for my 200 mile road ride. it is a wider bag than others, so thigh rub happened occasionally. the very long front and rear straps are to accommodate very large front triangles like on a vintage 60cm bike, and so they come with very long straps there...i just looped them several times around my frame before synch it down with the cam buckles. the left zip pocket held about 12 gu gels. I also held a vegan burrito above the water bladder and it was fine, with generous space. still strong and didn't fall apart. good bag.

[@toddsymborski9698]

I have all the Blackburn bikepacking bags and like them very well, no major issues as of yet. Like Russ said, for the price and just getting into bikepacking, I couldn't go wrong.

[@ReitzPantherFan83]

I use the Revelate Designs Tangle Frame Bag. Like all of Revelate's products, it is really rugged. It has rubberized straps that won't absorb water/grime or damage your frame. It has waterproof zippers and has daisy chain loops that allow you to move the straps to several locations to best fit your bike. It has a zippered pocket on both sides (one small and one large). The small pocket on the left side has small compartments to further organize small items. The larger side has 2 loops where you can strap in tent poles or a pump. It also has a hydration/wire port

[@AJMacDonaldJr]

I recently used a Blackburn Outpost frame bag for over six months. I think it's a great bag, especially for the price.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

It's a pretty good value bag.

[@tjsummerhays]

I've used a Revelate Tangle bag (Lrg) and this Blackburn bag (also in Lrg) and I found the Tangle was more cavernous than the Outpost bag. I took the Outpost on a recon ride and put my 3L hydration bladder and had to find small items that I was packing to fill in the rest of the space. But, you can not beat the price and if one isn't filling it with my hydration bladder, it's going to do the trip for most easy going backpacking trips.

[@anthdci]

If you still have this would you mind measuring the length of the extension zip? All the photos for the adverts for it don't show this measurement. I'm planning on using one for an e-bike battery and it would be good if it can go in without having the extension open.

[@k.whiking4372]

Thank you for the review, I'm just getting into Bikepacking and this fits the budget nicely, as you say toe in the water to see if I like it.

[@yarno_the_irondad9685]

Thanks Russ for the review. Even though I have a top tube from Blackburn, I picked the Specialized Burra Burra for my frame bag. Fantastic bag and stylish, but you can't really compare it to the Blackburn since the prize is way higher. It also has the same "problem" you were pointing out while speaking about the Blackburn. With the half frame bag of Burra Burra it is also a fuss to get two water bottles in it. Other decent frame bag my wife is using, is a frame bag from Revelate. If I have to be honest, Revelate knows how to make frame bags and for the long run it is probably also a bit more practical. Nevertheless, I'll stay with my Specialized Burra Burra in the meantime. Thanks for this review and keep up the good work. Always love the videos!

[@calebsemibold]

I have this bag, and hate the velcro straps... where can I get something that is a little more friendly to my frame?

[@maxhetherston4208]

Could you guys review the lotus explorer range, it's like a super budget range. I'm thinking about getting them. Thanks!

[@kjsumner1]

Like the channel and just starting out in biking etc, just recently bought this and the top tube bag. Love them both. What do you recommend for starter panniers 🙏 thanks

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Axiom makes some decent bags, as well does REI. We prob. use are panniers the most so we splurged got Ortliebs.

[@kjsumner1]

Path Less Pedaled thanks for the quick response

[@alantaylor6691]

Hi, I'm looking at bag for bikepacking. I notice on ebay there are cheap ones that say they are waterproof. Then you can get more expensive ones such as Ortlieb and Apidura, which also say they are waterproof. Do you think it's worth getting those cheap ones on ebay instead of more expensive ones such as Ortlieb? Do you know if those cheap ones that say the are waterproof, indeed waterproof? For example, on ebay I could get a framebag for say $30 which says it's waterproof, whereas I'd be paying a great deal more for a waterproof one with Ortlieb or Adipura. I could spend about $300 outfitting myself cheaply on ebay, or $600 outfitting myself with like Ortlieb and Apidura. Thanks.

[@jakemarple3147]

Does this bag fit well on a Vaya? If so what size would you recommend for a Vaya 56cm?

[@knighthonor44]

What's a good bike frame bag that fits on radcity ebikes?

[@AmsterDanTheAmerican]

What are your top 3 picks if price doesn't matter ...for 1/2 Frame Bags?

[@mtb_rene317]

I also disliked the fact that you cannot access the water bottle cages when the frame bag is folded in. For this reason I refunded mine and opted for a Salsa frame bag that occupies the entire front triangle. If I have to use other creative options for my water bottles anyway, I thought I would just go with a full size frame bag and maximize the storage. Otherwise, I've had good luck with other Blackburn products.

[@marre1]

Solution to problem: throw a few extra bucks on it and buy two bottle cages with opening on the side

[@jasonsbike6070]

Does anyone have a good suggestion for replacing the velcro straps?

[@pablobuenooo]

Hi! What about nylon straps with stair buckles? Cheers

[@granthertzing3548]

I think this bag is great for large frames but in most cases it is to large even in closed form to put a bottle on the down tube. Other than that great product and great review

[@FenixYuk]

One bummer of this bag for me is lacking of a rain cover or other water resistance measure, I was overly optimistic with the material and the seemingly water resistance zipper. My first bike trip with this bag just happen to get caught in heavy rain storm, me and my mates rode for 100 km in a day with repeated rain and sunshine, by the time we got to the hostel, everything that's not in a plastic bag got soaking wet. My tips, pack your stuff with a plastic bag.

[@sudanjackson]

Hey there. I also own this bag in black - it has served me extremely well both on short trips in the "half" setup, and on 6 day trips of 100k+ per day. My first outing with the bag was in Denmark - a short 35km day, but every minute of it in a downpour. Everything inside the Blackburn which was not in a Drybag was soaked. But don't fault the Blackburn for this - they never claimed it to be 100% waterproof. Neither is the Apidura or the Alpkit or the Relevate. This bag rocks - I now pack everything in ultra-light drybags anywho...

[@alantaylor6691]

S Jackson Is the Ortlieb 100% waterproof?

[@ditofuhrer9100]

like their tagline 100 percent waterproof

[@abitofthisabitofthatwithda5379]

sure anyone can talk smack!! the one thing that eludes people is that the fact of the matter is trial and error! one needs to find what works for them. i had an axiom pannier that failed me. i did the warranty and the first thing they asked me was if i over stuffed it! a reasonable question i think. over stuffing and the lack of knowledge of stiff zippers!! if you have to poke things or smush the bag closed like most do to close the bag. it is over stuffed! LOL! or forcing a stiff zipper. like most do! use chap stick or the like. it has wax in it. vALA! zipper lube! LOL! but 20 yrs of retail has taught me! no costumer will ever admit they dun wrong. how ever i have not used the bag! but, thank you for doing the review.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Not talking smack. There are pros and cons to everything. There are no perfect products. Also I actually really like this frame bag and use it tons.

[@abitofthisabitofthatwithda5379]

i didnt mean you. i was pointing out that most failures in mid to high end merchandise are made by the consumer. dose it happen? yes, but most done by miss use by consumer.

[@wilkbor]

A generic question for those who use frame bags: Have you noticed if the bike gets unstable in a strong crosswind?

[@McSlobo]

Everything gets unstable in crosswind if the crosswind is strong enought. If you compare the side profile area of a bag to your and your bike's side profile area and weigh these numbers based on the distance from road (more torque because of longer leverage) you might figure out how much difference the bag will make. Of course the bag is little worse shaped than the rounded body parts of you or your bike so you might want to add some coefficient to it. If i'd estimate it will make your bike about 10% more unstable in crosswind would it make you any wiser? However, if you can unload a backpack to a frame bag you'll probably have a more stable combination because the backpack was higher and now also your center of gravity is lower.

[@mattonn9947]

Where have you been!!??

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

+Matthew Onn moved to Montana!

[@mattonn9947]

Path Less Pedaled of course! I forgot. I hope the new job is going well! As always, your review was ace. X

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Thanks! So far so good!

[@zureai]

This scratches carbon frames btw..

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

All bags scratch all carbon frames.

[@MstrRo]

A Vislon zipper would be light years better and last longer.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

A roll top would last even longer.

[@MstrRo]

Perhaps a balance would be optimum, using a convenience Vislon, double slider version for a convenience pocket on side and a roll top for the main pocket on the other.

[@mikespringer7894]

Thats a sweet dag

[@DanielCanfield]

I love the style of this bag but it isn't waterproof so I won't be buying it.

[@Lanterns_light]

Lol custom frame bag? The bet the coffee sippers in Seattle love their custom frame bags while us plebs are resigned to off the shelf bags. PS. thanks for the reviews

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

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[@Lanterns_light]

@@PathLessPedaledTV cheers. I watched :P

[@radosawmaciej8512]

For where i live a set of these bags is lot of money!!! these things are for Rich!! who have time to tour!!!! thats it!!!!!!!!!!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

They are expensive, but you don't have to be rich to tour necessarily. But you do need time.